This year, similar to last, I aim to snap some photos of my female friends along with their children. I absolutely adore capturing moms in pictures, and it’s a joy to try and seize those sweet, candid moments. I told my friend Claire that I would love to be her very own Pete Souza.
I finally checked out Ali Wong’s new comedy special, Single Lady, which focuses on dating after divorce, and wow, I laughed a thousand times. “I’ve never had this much attention from guys in my life,” she remarked. “Boys never showed interest in me when I was younger. Back in the ’90s, during high school, guys weren’t into girls with A cups, no matter how charismatic.” Nowadays, she prefers to date divorced dads because “I desire a man who’s already been taught some lessons.” So good.
My boys have been eating SO MUCH lately — a gallon of milk barely lasts a couple of days — so yesterday we whipped up some Ghirardelli boxed brownies as a treat. I had forgotten how rich, chewy, and delightful they are. They are definitely the ultimate boxed brownies around. (Agree/disagree?)
Speaking of readers’ winter wear, Sumaya, who is based in London, submitted her thoughts today: “I wait all year to don my traditional velvet Kashmiri pheran. They were once thought to be quite dated, but now they’re trendy amongst Kashmiris both inside and outside of Kashmir, which makes me incredibly happy. They are designed to be layered, so I combine mine with dresses, jeans, coats—anything! My son pairs his with a hoodie and Uggs. And they all come with POCKETS!”
On a personal note, and in a much less vibrant fashion, I’ve been enjoying wearing soft browns. These pants receive at least three compliments each time I wear them — the fit is just excellent, featuring a slight barrel leg and a utility style — and I find myself reaching for them multiple times a week. (Here’s a similar pair available in more sizes.)
What have you been into recently?
P.S. More fun topics, and do you display photos of your friends in your living space?
(Brownie photo by Sommer Collier.)
# Four Fun Activities to Try
Life is filled with chances to explore, create, and enjoy. Whether you want to shake things up, uncover a new passion, or simply have a good time, numerous activities can enhance your joy and satisfaction. Here are four fun activities to explore that can enrich your life, engage your mind, and foster connections with yourself and others.
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## 1. **Trying a New Cooking or Baking Recipe**
Cooking and baking serve as more than just meal preparation; they are creative avenues that let you play with flavors, textures, and techniques. Diving into a new recipe can be both enjoyable and gratifying, whether you are an expert chef or just starting out.
### Why It’s Fun:
– **Creativity**: You can tailor recipes to match your preferences or dietary needs.
– **Sense of Achievement**: Successfully making a dish that’s new to you can be incredibly rewarding.
– **Social Connection**: Preparing meals for friends or family strengthens bonds and creates wonderful memories.
### How to Begin:
– Browse recipe websites or cookbooks for ideas.
– Explore cuisines from various cultures to broaden your culinary horizons.
– Start with straightforward recipes and gradually move on to more intricate dishes.
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## 2. **Gardening**
Gardening provides a calming and therapeutic experience that lets you engage with nature while beautifying your space. Whether you have a vast yard or a compact balcony, gardening can be customized to fit your environment and lifestyle.
### Why It’s Fun:
– **Stress Relief**: Spending time outside and nurturing plants can alleviate stress and enhance mental well-being.
– **Physical Activity**: Gardening involves light to moderate exercise, benefiting your health.
– **Sense of Accomplishment**: Witnessing your plants flourish is profoundly satisfying.
### How to Begin:
– Start with easy-to-grow plants like herbs, succulents, or flowers.
– Research the requirements for plants, including sunlight, water, and soil types.
– Consider joining a local gardening club or online group for advice and community support.
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## 3. **Learning to Play a Musical Instrument**
Music has the incredible ability to uplift and inspire, and picking up a musical instrument can be an immensely rewarding journey. Whether you’ve aspired to play the guitar, piano, or violin, it’s never too late to dive in.
### Why It’s Fun:
– **Creative Expression**: Playing music lets you convey emotions and tell stories wordlessly.
– **Cognitive Benefits**: Learning an instrument enhances memory, coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
– **Personal Growth**: Mastering an instrument fosters patience, discipline, and perseverance.
### How to Begin:
– Select an instrument that appeals to you and fits your budget.
– Seek lessons from an instructor, enroll in online courses, or find free tutorials on sites like YouTube.
– Dedicate time to practice regularly, even if it’s just 15–20 minutes daily, to gradually develop your skills.
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## 4. **Hiking and Exploring the Outdoors**
Hiking is a fantastic way to mix exercise with the splendor of nature. Whether you’re trekking through thick woods, scaling a mountain, or walking along a coastal path, hiking provides thrills and peace.
### Why It’s Fun:
– **Connection with Nature**: Being outdoors can boost happiness and decrease stress.
– **Physical Fitness**: Hiking is excellent for improving cardiovascular health and strength.
– **Exploration**: Discovering new paths and scenic vistas adds excitement to your adventures.
### How to Begin:
– Research local trails that suit your fitness level and interests.
– Invest in comfy hiking shoes and gear, like a backpack and water bottle.
– Invite friends or join a hiking group to enhance the social aspect of your outings.
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## Conclusion
Life is too brief to adhere to the same routines day in and day out. By engaging in new activities such as cooking, gardening, playing an instrument, or hiking, you can introduce joy, creativity, and adventure into your life. These activities not only entertain but also provide opportunities for personal growth, social interaction, and improved mental health. So why not venture beyond your comfort zone and try one—or all—of these fun activities? You may just find a new passion or hobby that brings ongoing happiness.
